2015-2016

Political Science - Nonthesis, Master of Arts

Department of Politics and International Affairs

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

This non-thesis program provides students with a breadth of training that includes research and rich topical choices. The degree is suitable for those who wish to pursue doctoral work—or for those who are looking for applied settings, such as government, teaching, politics, international relations, policy-making, etc. Students choose a primary field of study from one of three emphases: American Politics and Public Administration, Comparative Politics and International Relations, or Public Policy.

This plan will not be available to new students after Summer 2016

  • To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.

    You must additionally complete:

    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
    • All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
    • All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.

    Read the full policy here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 36
Comprehensive Exam Comprehensive Exam is required.
Progression Plan Link View Program of Study

Additional Admission Requirements

  • The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.

    Admission requirements include the following:

    • Transcripts.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


    Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.

    Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

    International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

    • A bachelor’s degree in a closely related discipline
    • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above or  6 units of subsequent coursework at the graduate level with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
    • GRE® Revised General Test
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • A writing sample
    • A personal statement or essay
    • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Master's Requirements

  • Take the following 36 units:

    Politics and International Affairs core courses (6 units):

    Core coursework in your field (6 units):

    • American Politics and Public Administration
      Select two courses from the following:Comparative Politics and International Relations
      Select one group from the following:
  • NON-THESIS
    • Additional POS courses related to your field (12-15 units)
    • An interdisciplinary concentration, selected from anthropology, economics, environmental politics, history, psychology, public administration, sociology, or an appropriate area or cognate approved by your plan advisor (9-12 units)
    • A final oral exam, with satisfactory performance

  • Please note that you choose all courses in consultation with your plan advisor.

    You may count up to two 400-level courses toward this academic plan if they haven't previously been counted toward a bachelor's degree.

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.